NCSG Policy Fellowship Selection Process

The entire process shall be documented, and summaries shall be made available to NCSG members to maintain transparency.

  1. Phase 1: Application and Eligibility Screening

  1. A Call for Applications should be made by the NCSG Chair, and applicants will have two weeks to apply for the Fellowship.
  2. Candidates shall submit their applications through email, sending their Statement of Interest and required documentation to the Chair and copying secretary@ncsg.is. Candidates are fully responsible for ensuring that all required information and documents are provided.​
  3. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
  1. Active membership and involvement in NCSG and either NCUC or NPOC, demonstrated by being members in (i) good standing, as indicated in the charter, (ii) checked in to vote in the last election and (iii) participating in the mailing list or as a representative from the non-commercial community in Committees, WGs, IRTs in the last 6 months.
  2. Alignment with NCSG mission/goals.
  3. Commitment to the objectives of the NCSG Fellowship Program.​
  4. Proof of similar research or planning activities in the last 2 years.

  1. Phase 2: Evaluation by the NCSG PC

  1. Each eligible application is evaluated based on:
  1. Experience: Depth and relevance of prior engagement within ICANN or similar multistakeholder environments.
  2. Expertise: Understanding of DNS policy, Internet governance, and related areas.
  3. Potential Impact: Ability to contribute meaningfully to NCSG's mission and activities post-fellowship.
  1. Applications are scored against the above criteria, graded 1 to 3, created by the NCSG PC, to ensure consistency and fairness.​
  2. After grading, the NCSG PC will list the candidates they believe to be the most appropriate for the role, indicating at least three and at maximum 5 candidates.
  3. The candidates and order of preference can be defined by a majority of votes of the NCSG PC members who are participating in the discussions. Votes that are not cast are considered abstentions and discarded.
  4. If the NCSG PC is in doubt between candidates, it may call them in for interviews and then select the most appropriate. A reserve list can also be maintained to address any contingencies.​
  5. The NCSG PC shall evaluate the applications within one week and then submit a recommendation to the NCSG EC to approve.
  6. The NCSG PC can ask for another week to further evaluate and shall develop their discussion through the NCSG PC mailing list, with the possibility of scheduling a call if no consensus can be reached within the first week.

  1. Phase 3: Approval by the NCSG EC

  1. After the evaluation of the NCSG PC, the list shall be sent to the NCSG EC, who will have a week to make a final selection.
  2. To acquire subsidies for the most informed decision, the NCSG EC can consult with the NCUC and NPOC Executive Committees through the constituencies’ representatives in the NCSG EC.​
  3. Upon approval from the NCSG EC, the selected candidate shall be notified, and an agreement with their obligations and rights shall be signed.

  1. Feedback:

  1. Unsuccessful applicants are provided with constructive feedback to encourage future participation.​

  2. Post-selection reviews are conducted to refine the process for potential subsequent fellowship cycles.

Summarized calendar: Call for Applications (open for 2 weeks) -> Evaluation by the NCSG PC (1 to 2 weeks) ->  Selection by the NCSG EC (1 week)